santorini...10 dreamy things to do in 1 day

Santorini was an island that I had long wanted to visit. My mother had dreamed of going there, and had made it a reality before she passed away. So, as we pulled up to the new port and climbed off of the boat, I was excited. 

But, the excitement starts already long before your feet touch land. Basically the moment you catch sight of the white towns perched atop the long crater walls, the feelings of wonder and amazement take hold.

In order to break down the experience, first of all for myself, I made a list of the ten dreamiest things about my visit.

Ten best things to do in Santorini in one day

1) Visit Oia...it's a dreamy treat like no other.

The little village of Oiá, located directly above the new port of Santorini, or a 30-minute bus ride from Fira (Santorini's main town, located above the old port), is a white-washed maze of lovely dwellings, blue-domed churches, and cute shops, joined by narrow cobble-stoned lanes...with heart-stopping views around every corner.

2) Wander...but be respectful. Meander down from the main paths to get away from the crowds, but always be aware that people work and live here. Do not step onto houses or churches (lots of people actually do!) for some great insta pic...just don't.

  

3) Stop and take in the moments. There are too many peaceful, reflective spots...even among the tourists. Blend the chatter out and breathe the setting in.

Hundreds and hundreds of years of fishing tradition lie here within the rounded walls of the volcanic caldera. The symbiosis between rock and sea, and Santorini's prominent location on naval routes within the centre of the Aegean Sea, helped create this incredibly unique way of life.

4) Explore the narrow, winding lanes.

There are lots of visitors here, and with treasures like Santorini, Venice, Prague Old Town (to name a few very crowded, very pretty places) you must be patient, blend out the crowds, visit the popular spots early in the morning or late at night, and just enjoy. In Oiá, there are a host of interesting houses, artisan shops with jewellery and art, boutique hotels carved into the rock, and many different churches (more than 250 on the island!).

5) Duck into Atlantis Books...it's just the cutest bookstore, which also happens to have great books.

Located on Oiá's main pedestrian street this little shop is a booklover's delight. Climb down the steps into the cave-like rooms and explore. There is everything you could ever want...classics, local flair, history, poetry, fantasy. Such dreamy fun.

6) Keep wandering till you get to the less whitewashed, less expensive area

Much of my advice includes getting away from the crowds, so here's more: Wander to the very end of Oiá, which wraps around the tip of the island, and where you will find one of the old windmills (always a Greek treat). Here you will come across some dwellings which you might even be able to consider purchasing :) Personally, I think 'run down' has often the most character.

7) Stop for coffee...often...and just enjoy the view

Sitting down after lots of walking, especially up and down the hilliness of Oiá, is a must when there are views like this to enjoy with a latte.

8) Enjoy Greek tapas...fried goat cheese, chickpea dip, olives and so much more yummy-ness

We stopped in at Pelekanos, because of its great rating and fantastic view. The food was delicious local fare, not too pricey, and served on gorgeous stoneware. Order a few traditional appetisers to share and you will fill yourself up with mediterranean goodness.

9) Head to a Crazy Donkey in Fira, sit out on the terrace and enjoy a great brew

When you've bussed it back to Fira and wandered its bustling lanes, stop in at any of the restaurants serving Crazy Donkey to enjoy locally-brewed craft ales. At Dionysos, for example, there is a large covered terrace to hang out on if you need to beat the heat or wait for your ferry. The beer is hip hoppy kick-ass ale.

10) And last, but not least...the donkeys. Walk by them on your way down to the old port and say Hi...and then keep walking. God gave you 2 legs so use them.

Or, if you just can't walk then take a bus or the gondola depending on which port you are accessing.

Donkeys are a traditional form of transportation throughout the Greek Islands, like horses in North and South America, and many islands still use donkeys and mules to haul things, but seeing really heavy people ride these sweet things up or down just can't be good for the animals. But, let's face it, if no one used them they wouldn't exist....that's just a fact. I did hear that Santorini is thinking of putting in a weight limit and I would be all for that.

I spent quite a bit of time talking to this sweetest of all creatures, just to see how he's doing. He seemed fine and healthy, as did all of his mates (that I saw). It was a hot day, they had water and shelter, but were just hanging out on the steps, free to roam about till someone needed them.

Seriously, isn't this just the cutest donkey you've ever seen.

If you go:

Try and stay for the night...I hear the sunset from Oiá is a once in a lifetime experience...and then send me a pic :)